The necessary knowledge and resources for the following land use analysis reports were acquired through an upper division Geography 572 course titled “Land Use Analysis” taught by Professor Diana Richardson. The groups created development proposals within the given project site in the National City Marina District that considered existing and potential land use opportunities. The class project is part of a two-year partnership between the City of National City and the SDSU Sage Project.
The Marina District is influenced by multiple agencies that have jurisdiction over the area, therefore the groups carefully considered the land use designations for the surrounding properties while generating their site proposals. The groups also considered the physical landscape, community character and needs, and economic opportunities within the proposed site plan. Students examined relevant plans for the area and other policies inherent in planning. Each group strictly adhered to land use regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, including the National City General Plan, the Unified Port of San Diego’s Port Master Plan, the Harbor District Specific Area Plan, the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan, the California Coastal Commission guidelines, the federal Endangered Species Act, and the California Environmental Quality Act.
The students also considered constructive input from National City staff when planning for the Marina District. During his presentation, Martin Reeder, the principal planner for the city, distinguished three vital needs of National City: affordable housing, employment growth, and tax-generating commerce. The four plans considered each of these needs at length, in addition to smart growth principles that complement the project site. The proposals preserve the culturally rich identity of National City and promote sustainable development. The city has the potential to advance a prosperous economy, maintain a healthy environment, and promote social equity by considering the following plans.
Read the final student report delivered to the local gov/community partner.
The Sage Project Contact Info
Kristofer Patron
Program Administrator
kpatron@sdsu.edu
(619) 594-0103
University Faculty Contact
Diana Richardson
Geography
Local Government / Community Contact
Planning